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                MyBinding Blog > printing

                Real Men Wear Pink – Laughing with John Kublank at Wes-Tex Printing

                October 24, 2012 by Jeff McRitchie Leave a Comment

                John-Kublank-bm-content-1Chelsea here. I’ve been conducting interviews and writing these Printer Profiles for a few months now but none have left me giggling quite this much. In fact, I had several coworkers convinced I was goofing off at work while  I was doubled over my computer,  laughing so I hard I could barely breathe and thinking “This marketing guy is brilliant.” (You really should watch the video that had me cracking up – The Dance of the Internal Newsletter.) If you’ve been around #printchat at all, you have probably caught some of the humor that emanates from John Kublank at Wes-Tex Printing. Even the names of his photos (to the left, “I Moustache You a Question”) had me chuckling.  Keep reading to learn a little bit more about John and the company that supports his antics.

                So, looking over your LinkedIn profile, it looks like you are more on the marketing side of things. Did something specifically draw you to the print industry?

                I never really thought I would work in printing, and I was not actively searching for printing. However, I am so happy I am in printing now. Over the past 6 months I feel like I have extended my family tremendously; from the people I work with, to the awesome people of #printchat. I have also learned so much about printing, and know I will never take for granted the work that goes into every printed piece.

                How have you had to change your strategy to market print over some of the other places you’ve worked? 

                In other companies, I have been working with the end user and even though some printers are B2C we at Wes-Tex are B2B. This makes marketing strategies very different and sometimes even harder. Individual consumers typically have different search patterns, tendencies, and likes. To tap into this B2B market I have tried to build community over sales, and trust over gimmicks. We want to reach the individual and form relationships, however breaking the corporate barriers to reach the person can be a challenge.

                What are you most excited about right now in print? Where do you see print headed?

                Right now I am excited about the new products we are getting ready to launch next year which will include formal invitations and announcements. Also as an industry I am excited that we seem to be growing and gaining a voice of our own. The Toshiba debacle was a clear sign that we are strong as a community, and though we are competitors we stick together.

                Print is a large piece of the business community, and to be successful in the future print will have to and already is moving away from trying and be “THE” dominant form of business communication, to being complimentary to technology such as social media, video, mobile, etc.

                 Are there any misconceptions about print that you’d like to clear up?

                One misconception, I even had coming into printing, was that it is not fun and it is for an older generation. This is not true, we have a blast at Wes-Tex, as you can see in  this fun video:

                [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDfWtCZefWE[/youtube]

                We try and think outside of the box, and have company collaboration for all aspects of our business (I think this is fun).

                As far as an age misconception, printing is in fact in desperate need for more of a functional mix of experienced printers and inexperienced printers, young and old. The industry would not be able to sustain itself without the experience that has been gained by some of the veterans of print, but I do feel strongly that the industry cannot survive without a fresh influx of young excited individuals willing to learn.

                What is your favorite part of print?

                I love the aspects of the all of the detail of print. From the processes, to the stock options, to custom ink colors, and finishes. There is no such thing as a simple or easy printed project, some may take fewer steps but there is always a level of complexity. I love that each project is new and the industry is always trying to innovate, the future of print is bright and getting brighter.

                Filed Under: From Our Team Tagged With: John Kublank, printing, Wes-Tex Printing

                Top Ten Printers in Hillsboro, Oregon

                October 10, 2012 by Jeff McRitchie Leave a Comment

                Inc5000-thankyou-bm-content-1MyBinding.com, a division of Information Management Services, LLC, has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. The list details those businesses across the country that made at least $100,00 in 2007 and $2 million in 2010. The company has grown 141% over the past three years and appears on the list at position #1856.

                “We are absolutely thrilled to be included on the Inc. 5000,” said Jeff McRitchie, Vice-President of Marketing for MyBinding.com. “It’s a real honor and we are extremely proud of our company.”

                MyBinding.com ranked at #14 of businesses in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. The company is growing quickly, having just recently hired their 50th employee and generating $10 million in revenue in 2010. Other companies that have appeared on the Inc. 5000 include such luminaries as Microsoft, Jamba Juice, and Oracle.

                MyBinding.com is co-owned by Michael and Cory Ware and is located in Hillsboro, a suburb of Portland. The company sells document finishing equipment and supplies such as laminators, binding machines, and paper shredders.

                You can see MyBinding.com’s entry on the Inc. 5000 online. The issue of the magazine containing the list is now available at newsstands.

                Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Hillsboro, Inc 5000, MyBinding, Printers, printing

                Welcome to the Printerverse!

                October 5, 2012 by Jeff McRitchie Leave a Comment

                Welcome-Printerverse-bm-content-1If your business is even remotely related to the print world, then you’ve probably heard of Graph Expo and likely you’re heading there. Graph Expo, held in Chicago on October 7-10, is a tradeshow where technology and print collide, with networking opportunities, educational seminars, and more for top players in the print industry. Whether you work in design or delivery, all facets are covered, including equipment, products, and services. And really, what industry isn’t affected by print? This is one show you don’t want to miss!

                This year’s Graph Expo will have many exhibits to check out. One Must See is Print Media Centr’s Printerverse. What is Printerverse and why should people visit it? We wondered the same thing. So we took our questions to Deborah Corn, COO of Print Media Centr and one of the masterminds behind the creation of this massive exhibit. Here is what she had to say:

                So how did you come up with the ideas for Printerverse?

                We started with the most out there ideas we could come up with and then Graph Expo added theirs and we got to what was doable! The concept started in a 20 x 40 booth and ended up in 4500+ square foot space because Graph Expo was very supportive and wanted the best.

                It seems way beyond the typical conference booth, definitely upped the “fun” factor.

                Well you know me and my fun factor, had to throw some in there. We will have some old school fun around the space, too.

                Besides fun, why should someone add it to their show planner? What value is there for a printer?

                We have a full schedule of free speakers and panels discussing relevant topics, so the education available is valuable. Also, Peter Lancaster and his team have created some amazing cross media campaigns that will show what is possible with print.

                A visual is always a great tool! Which leads me to GRAPHitti, the first ever interactive message board. What a great way to increase interaction!

                It is cross media gone wild! It starts with a printed photo and ends with anyone in the world being able to see your message.

                Printerverse is available for multiple days. Is there a day/time that’s best for someone to get the most out of it?

                We are up and running Sunday through Wednesday but if you want to catch the bulk of speakers and panels, Monday and Tuesday would be the best days.

                Or maybe they should just stop by every day, multiple times, to pack in as much FUN as possible.

                I have a feeling we will have permanent residents besides our team and the Girls Who Print volunteer force.

                What are the top three things printers can expect to take home after visiting the Printerverse?

                I expect it will be different for everyone. But what I hope they see is (1) that technology completes and doesn’t compete with print; (2) people working together; and (3) social works.

                Number one is a great point. I think that’s something many people, especially those outside the print world, don’t realize.

                I agree – it’s not one or the other, both work together and can do so very cool from a digital perspective! We will show that.

                One person I interviewed said technology advanced because of print, not in spite of it. Anything you’d like to add?

                Just that I hope everyone stops by or passes through or peeks in and best case has an EXPERIENCE in the Printerverse!

                Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Graph Expo, Print Media Centr, Printerverse, printing

                An Intro to Island Print Group

                October 3, 2012 by Jeff McRitchie Leave a Comment

                Island-Print-bm-content-1

                For this week’s Printer Profile, Chelsea had the opportunity to chat with Nikki Thibodeau from Island Print Group. Here is a closer look at this Canadian company.

                So, looking over your LinkedIn profile, it looks like Island Print Group is your first introduction to the print world. Did something specifically draw you to the print industry?

                You hit the nail on the head! At the time I had seen the job opening at Island Print Group I had been on a long time run of retail. Shoes, Clothes and Jewelry had been my world for 7 years and I was looking to get out of retail and into an office environment. The job at Island seemed very interesting with much to learn. I was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity at Island. Since then, my eyes have been opened to the world of print, promotional products, graphic design…etc. where I have found new passions I never could have dreamed of four years ago.

                What all is involved in your role at Island Print Group?

                We are a small company where I have the opportunity to serve many roles. My main responsibilities are in administration, but lately I have been able to put my graphics skills to use as well. I like to call my position the “If you need it done, I can do it” position.

                We have the privilege of working with start-ups, small and medium sized businesses, corporations, hotels, municipalities (Did you know there is a Municipality of Wood Buffalo?)…the list goes on! We do business mostly nationally; however, we are more than able to help anyone in North America.

                What are you most excited about right now in print? Where do you see print headed?

                Actually, there are quite a few things about print that excite me! I love how technology is changing the industry, bringing variety to print in ways that ten years ago were unimaginable. I love how the relationships between printers, designers and different technologies are closer than ever, maximizing the potential of all the printing equipment out there!

                Print is headed down a very exciting path. I mean, have you SEEN Augmented Reality?

                One specific thing I could mention is Full Colour Print. It has evolved SO MUCH! You can now do full colour on ANY material, ANY surface for any use. How cool is that!?!

                Are there any misconceptions about print that you’d like to clear up?

                “Print is on its way OUT.” I actually find this statement to be naïve. I really don’t think people realize how much print is all around them. Let’s take an example of one place we all need to go to: the grocery store. Before you walk in the door, you’ve received a flyer or perused a coupon book. You get into the store and there are shelf labels, signs, product packaging, paper bags, your receipt… Need I go on?

                Yes, the print industry is changing. However, I think things like mobile and social technologies will affect every industry in some way.

                What is your favorite part of print?

                Hands Down: Helping people. Coming up with something original, to help the customer fill a need or solve a problem. I love how it is tangible, and the smell of different paper and inks. Print is a very sustainable industry and I can’t wait to see how it evolves over the next few years!

                Filed Under: From Our Team Tagged With: Island Print Group, printing

                A Chat with Graphics Systems, Inc

                September 26, 2012 by Jeff McRitchie Leave a Comment

                graphic-system-bm-content-1Recently Tarragon and Chelsea had a chance to chat with the President and CEO of YESGSI,Denny Kopcial. With a sweet southern drawl and the voice of a seasoned professional, Denny answered our many questions about his small, 12-person company in Memphis, Tennessee. He started this print brokerage over 30 years ago, incorporating in 1979. Here’s an inside look at Graphics Systems, Inc.

                How did Graphics Systems get started?

                I was working for a national appliance company running their distribution center. The company moved locations, but I liked the Memphis area and wanted to stay. I went to work for a friend and learned the printing industry. When it became apparent that there were plenty of family heirs moving up in the business, I left to start my own and thus Graphics Systems was born.

                GSI has been in business for a long time. How has your business changed over the last 30+ years?

                We started this company focusing on business forms, more on the printing side. The industry has changed over the years, not as many people using dot matrix or line-fed printing. We’ve moved into more commercial and digital printing. Forms are still sold, just not as many.

                What advantages do you enjoy by operating a brokerage versus print shop?

                As a print broker, we’re primarily a sales force, we operate a distribution. We have more flexibility than we would if everything was done in house. No matter what the job is, we are able to find a printer to match the need and capacity to get it done. Often the key factor on a job is who can do it the best and keep the customer happy.

                Do you focus primarily in Memphis or do you have a nation-wide customer base?

                We find it to be easier to maintain our business locally, so we are able to physically see them and sit down to discuss their needs. We also have quite a few customers outside of our geographical area, mainly from clients who moved or referrals.

                What type of business do you typically draw?

                Our business varies greatly. We have clients that order four foot diameter forms for high speed printers, which looks like two jumbo rolls of paper that weigh three tons each. On the other side, we have orders of 100 business cards or envelopes. We sell large quantities of warehouse forms, packing slip materials, and forms. One especially large client in hardware distribution consistently orders pricing tickets and labels. We also work with several schools and universities doing marketing materials for recruiting.

                Have you ever done any printing, binding, laminating in-house?

                At one time we had a digital print shop and did a lot of binding. We used perfect binding, spiral binding, GBC binding, all depending on the need and requirement of the job. They all have their place and there is a cost associated with each different kind of binding. We bound training manuals, classroom textbooks. We eventually sold the digital business to another digital printer, which is now our primary outsource for digital. When the digital shop went away, it didn’t make sense to do binding anymore.

                How have you seen the print industry change over the years?

                There has been a shift from business forms into more commercial printing, getting away from technical mundane invoices and packing lists. Usually there are proofs involved now. Jobs are smaller, dollar wise, but we see more of the glamorous side of printing. There’s a larger number of smaller jobs processed, rather than fewer high quantity orders.

                What has made you stay with print all these years versus going into something else?

                We’ve maintained a nice book of business with sales volume close to four million. There are plenty of printing jobs; not the same business but plenty of it. We’ve embraced technology and value the ability to see what’s next. It’s great when you can present new solutions to your customers without them needing to ask.

                What do you love about print?

                It’s a technical industry, every time you do a job it has to be 100% right. The resulting product has an application. Everybody needs printing, it’s really amazing. Some of the best opportunities are in the biggest pains. For example, business cards can be a hassle. But if you can find an efficient way to produce them, it’s a nice money maker and they’re constantly being used, everyone wants one. The commercial printing side offers more glamor and glitz. You work with agency or marketing department to put their best foot forward. It’s really rewarding to see your work out in public.

                What’s coming on the horizon that’s exciting?

                I see in the future more and more the use of beyond bar codes – QR codes on almost everything, smart chips implanted in printing pieces, invoices, and packaging to follow shipment for tracking. Printing is getting smarter and carries more info with it. Currently a smart phone can tell you about the specials in a store you just walked by, print can do the same and we will see more of that.

                What do you say to the idea that print is dead?

                Absolutely not true across the board. Magazines are a prime example. Subscriptions use to cost a fortune, now they’re almost all free or at least very cheap. It goes through cycles just like anything else. We may lose newspapers but there will still be plenty of print out there. In the printing industry, we never thought of ourselves as providing information but that is what we do. We need to look at different ways of how to provide that information. Print will always be out there, maybe not as big. There is always more information from different methods. Change your focus on new ways get information. It’s amazing the info you can get from twitter. Younger generations looking for different things than people in their 60s.

                How does youth play a part?

                Our sales people have gotten younger as purchasers have gotten younger. They can relate to current things relevant in each others lives. Matching sales efforts to your audiences helps build confidence in your client.

                What is your favorite part of working in the print industry?

                Getting a big job and pulling in a lot of pieces to it – the technology side, bar codes, getting everyone together. I love when printers and designers come up with a piece that works for everybody and the satisfaction that comes from putting all the pieces together. For example, we had a customer recently who wanted a label on their packages with an advertisement shown once the label was peeled off. We were able to accomplish it. It gives you a good feeling to be able to accomplish something that hadn’t been done before.

                What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the printing industry?

                Print has a lot of opportunities, every business is a potential customer. It’s probably more of a blue collar industry as opposed to a glamor industry. Not as fancy as the advertising agency, but can be more lucrative. If one is willing to learn the business and how to provide solutions, they can be extremely successful.

                Filed Under: From Our Team Tagged With: Denny Kopcial, Graphics Systems, printing

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